NFL Live on YouTube was exclusively broadcast on the platform on September 5. With 17.3 million viewers, the inaugural captured attention around the globe. The first NFL Live on YouTube was between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers from Sao Paulo, Brazil. It is a new era for Live sports.
NFL Games On YouTube- A Milestone Moment For Sports Streaming
In 2024, Prime Video’s “Thursday Night Football” attracted 13.2 million viewers. This year, YouTube topped that by nearly 14%, pulling in 17.3 million, according to Nielsen. Of those, 16.2 million came from the U.S. and 1.1 million from abroad. The broadcast reached more than 230 countries and territories, making it a milestone moment for both football and streaming.
The presentation blended traditional coverage with creator-driven energy. The main broadcast featured Rich Eisen, Kurt Warner, Stacey Dales, and Terry McAulay, while YouTube creator and former NFL kicker Deestroying (Donald De La Haye) contributed from the sidelines.
The pregame show, hosted by Kay Adams and Peter Overzet alongside NFL veterans Cam Newton, Derek Carr, Brandon Marshall, and Tyrann Mathieu, drew 2.4 million U.S. viewers. The postgame show, led by Adams and Newton, attracted 5.9 million. On the field, the Chargers edged out the Chiefs 27–21.
Creators gave the event its unique edge. Stars like MrBeast and Marques Brownlee shared exclusive content, while Colombian artist KAROL G lit up halftime. Alternative creator-led streams made the game more inclusive: iShowSpeed and Tom Grossi hosted in English, Robegrill and SKabeche in Spanish, and CazéTV in Portuguese for Brazil. IShowSpeed is currently on a 35-day live-streaming tour around America.
Beyond entertainment, the stream also spotlighted YouTube’s long-term NFL partnership. The platform holds exclusive U.S. rights to NFL Sunday Ticket, a seven-year deal worth over $2 billion annually, offering fans every out-of-market Sunday game.
The timing is perfect. Nielsen reports streaming now accounts for nearly half of all TV viewing, with YouTube alone making up more than 13% in the U.S. In 2024, NFL content generated over 350 million viewing hours on YouTube, while the league’s official channel surpassed 14 million subscribers. This debut proved fans are ready for football in a streaming-first world.
Conclusion
The NFL Live on YouTube debut wasn’t just a broadcast; it was a breakthrough. With record viewership, creator collaborations, and global reach, NFL live on YouTube showed how the game can meet fans wherever they are. It was more than just football; it marked the beginning of a new chapter where sports and streaming converged.
Summary
- NFL Live on YouTube debuted on September 5 with 17.3 million viewers, surpassing Prime Video’s 'Thursday Night Football' by nearly 14%.
- The inaugural game featured the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers, broadcast from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and reached over 230 countries.
- Creator-driven content, including contributions from YouTube stars and diverse alternative streams, enhanced the viewing experience.
- YouTube holds exclusive U.S. rights to NFL Sunday Ticket, part of a seven-year deal worth over $2 billion annually, highlighting its commitment to NFL content.
